Supervisory Aviation Safety & Compliance Inspector (Branch Chief for Fixed-Wing Standards)

Job Details

Position Overview

This position is a Supervisory Aviation Safety & Compliance Inspector (Branch Chief for Fixed-Wing Standards), GS-1801-14 working for the US Wildland Fire Service.

In order to be considered for any duty location, ensure desired locations are selected. Applicants will not be considered for locations not selected.

Duties

As a Supervisory Aviation Safety & Compliance Inspector (Branch Chief for Fixed-Wing Standards), your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Plan, schedule and directly supervise the work of the fixed-wing pilot inspectors in the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Flight Standards Division. Ensure the U.S Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) Flight Standards Division maintains a staff of highly qualified fixed-wing pilot inspectors to provide the USWFS with high-quality aviation resources to fulfill mission needs.
• Manage fixed-wing pilot inspector travel and the travel budget to ensure inspection trips are efficiently planned and executed.
• Analyze and manage U.S. Wildland Fire Service Flight Standards Division inspection processes to ensure standardization and continually improve quality and efficiency.
• Evaluate performance, recommend training, awards, and promotions, and approves employee Quick-Time, travel, and requests for leave. Resolve informal grievances and complaints within jurisdiction.
• Assist in policy formulations and determination of U.S. Wildland Fire Service goals and objectives for the Flight Standards program and is responsible for the full implementation of those that fall within the area of jurisdiction.
• The employee will serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) on DOI fixed-wing aircraft, perform flight evaluations and surveillance of contracted fixed-wing pilots, and flight evaluations and training of DOI fleet pilots.

Qualifications & Requirements

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement- 09/01/26 -unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.

For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires special qualifications that have been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified. Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify:

1) Flight Instructor Certificate with Appropriate Fixed-wing Endorsements
2) Valid First or Second-class Medical Certificate
3) Airline Transport Pilot or Commercial Pilot Certificate with Fixed-wing and Instrument Ratings

AND -

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes documented experience instructing and evaluating airplane pilots; serving as a consultant and/or subject matter expert for the use of aviation in the natural resource environment; providing technical guidance or advice to management in the development and implementation of a wide range of aviation management issues related to safety, operational practices, policy and procedures development, and contract modifications; serving as an approved interagency fixed-wing pilot inspector and/or interagency qualified mission pilot with natural resource experience; preparing, reviewing, and interpreting technical stipulations for contracts to ensure compliance with a variety of aviation service contracts. You must include hours per week worked.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary and involves typical office activities such as attending meetings, reviewing technical and policy documents, preparing reports, and using a computer for extended periods. The position also requires periodic travel to aviation facilities, operational fire environments, and remote field locations. During field assignments, the incumbent may walk over uneven terrain, stand for extended periods during inspections or training events, climb aircraft access steps or ladders, and occasionally lift or carry light equipment associated with aviation oversight activities. Work may involve extended hours or irregular schedules during emergency operations; however, the physical demands are moderate in intensity and do not require prolonged heavy physical exertion.

Working Conditions: The majority of work is performed in office or conference settings that are adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. Normal office environment risks apply during administrative, policy, and supervisory activities. The position requires periodic travel to aviation facilities, airfields, and maintenance hangars, and may involve limited visits to operational environments. During such assignments, the incumbent may be exposed to moderate discomforts such as aircraft noise, weather conditions, dust, or uneven terrain. Appropriate safety precautions and established procedures mitigate potential hazards. Although the position occasionally requires field presence, exposure to risk is infrequent and controlled through adherence to established aviation and occupational safety requirements.

Eligibility and Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Reemployment Priority List (RPL): The RPL is the mechanism agencies use to give reemployment consideration to their former competitive service employees separated by a RIF or who have fully recovered from a compensable injury after more than one year. If you are currently on an RPL, you may be given priority consideration.

Education

Requirements

• Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Direct Deposit Required.
• You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• Valid first or second-class medical certificate, required. Selectees may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
• This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license throughout their employment in this position.
• A condition of employment for accepting this position, you MAY be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
• Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
• Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement, and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration, visit www.sss.gov.
• Selectees will be expected to travel in small single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home multiple times month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
• Travel -Travel will include attending interagency meetings, conducting site visits, performing field evaluations, and responding to emerging incidents or program needs across the country. Some travel may be on short notice or to remote locations.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.

Evaluations

You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position. Once the application process is complete, HR will review your application to ensure you meet eligibility and minimum qualifications. To determine if you are minimally qualified for this position, HR will complete a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire. If an applicant's resume is incomplete or does not support the requirements for minimum qualifications or specialized experience a rating of "ineligible" or "not qualified" will be applied and no consideration for employment will be granted.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications requirement(s), this position requires successful completion of the following additional assessment: Subject Matter Expert Review: This assessment will measure the critical competencies listed below that are required to successfully perform in the position.

• Interpersonal Skills - Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of others; adjusts approaches to suit different people and situations.
• Leadership - Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
• Technical Competence - Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience.
• Oral Communication - Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups effectively; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others; facilitates an open exchange of ideas.

In the evaluation process, due weight will be given to job related experience, education, training, incentive awards and performance appraisals. Applicants must have a performance rating of at least the equivalent of fully successful to be eligible for promotion or placement. Applicants may provide a copy of a performance appraisal of record dated within the last 18 months. If the applicant is unable to provide a performance appraisal of record dated within the last 18 months, the applicant may provide a written explanation as to why.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/01/2026.

• Resumes must show relevant experience and other information. Your resume MUST list your education and work experience including (1) the dates (mm/yy) of each employment, along with (2) the number of hours worked per week, and (3) work experience duties listed under each job entry. In addition, Civil Service employees must provide their current OPM title, series, and grade. If experience is for a career ladder position, please ensure to clearly show how long you were working in each grade level. Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. No assumptions will be made about your experience and/or education. You are welcome to submit a cover letter.

Resumes must also include name and how to best contact you, including email address and phone number.

Do not include the following types of information in your resume:

• Classified or government sensitive information

• Social Security Number (SSN)

• Photos of yourself

• Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

• Encrypted and digitally signed documents.

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information on What should I include in my federal resume and/or OPM Resume Writing Tips.

In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following supplemental documentation as applicable:

• Current/Prior Federal Employee: SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.

Note: Federal employees who have reinstatement eligibility please review the How to Apply for Reinstatement page for all required documents.

If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.

• Documentation that you meet ALL of the Selective Factors.
• Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
• Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above. NOTE: To be eligible for a Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible, or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

**Required Documents continued in How To Apply...

How to Apply

**Required Documents Continued:

• CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location. Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
• Former Public Land Corps Member: Submit your Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Competitive Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service along with a copy of your "PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet."
• Applicants applying under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act must submit documentation verifying eligibility. Required documentation includes: First and last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for each appointment verifying the Position Occupied code (block 34, code 1-Competitive Service), AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each appointment, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period. Failure to submit required documentation may result in loss of consideration.
• If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility.

** End of Required Documents

Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13031476.
2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
3. Applications must be received by 09/01/2026, 11:59pm Eastern Time to receive consideration.
4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

NOTE: INSUFFICIENT OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION FROM AN APPLICANT COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of the announcement.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified via USAJOBS of a status change (i.e., referred, not referred, not eligible, not qualified, etc.). Note, you must login to your USAJOBS profile to view details of the status change. Information regarding how to see your application status can be found in the USAJOBS Help Center.

If referred and further evaluation or interviews are required, you may be contacted by the hiring officials for the location in which you are referred.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.

If you were not referred and/or have questions or concerns regarding your rating determination or referral status, in the interest of time, please submit your inquiry in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving a Notice of Results and Referral notification email. Inquiries may be submitted to contact listed on this announcement. Be sure to include the announcement number to assist our team in reviewing your inquiry.

You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.